Empowerment

My high school creates a theme at the beginning of each new school year. This year’s theme is empowerment, and Fuel Up to Play 60 exemplifies the message of empowering others. In living up to this year’s theme we have launched Fuel Up to Play 60 at Stratford, and have already recruited several students. However, this post is not about what I have done in my role as a Student Ambassador, but is rather to help you as the reader learn how to get active and empower others at your school to bring Fuel Up to Play 60 into their lives, especially if your school is just beginning its Fuel Up to Play 60 program.

It does not matter if you are a Student Ambassador or a program participant. You can always encourage others to join, and doing this is rather simple.

Getting your friends to Fuel Up to Play 60: Spreading the word and mission

Tell your friends, and have them spread the word to their friends. If you’re 13 or older, post links to the Fuel Up to Play 60 student site on Facebook, Twitter, and other social networks (Did you know that Fuel Up to Play 60 also has pages on Facebook and Twitter?). Fuel Up to Play 60 is a fun and motivational way to live a healthier lifestyle. When others know that the program is motivational, and offers prizes from the NFL, they will want to become a part of the program — and be active in tracking and challenge contests.

Stepping it up: Become a Student Ambassador

Becoming a Student Ambassador is a great opportunity, and allows you to take on a leadership role in the Fuel Up to Play 60 program within your school and community. The application is simple. Visit the Student Ambassador Program page, and fill out the brief application by answering questions about your lifestyle and what you plan to do as a Student Ambassador.

As a Student Ambassador, you can ask friends and classmates what healthy changes, challenges, or Plays they would like to see, and then you can lead the Play’s implementation (see Playbook for ideas, or you can come up with your own). Becoming a Student Ambassador is an excellent way to stay active, and offers later opportunities at the State and National levels.

Not Ready to Become a Student Ambassador, But Want to Be Active? No Problem.

If you are a Fuel Up to Play 60 participant who wants to become more active, but are not yet ready for the responsibilities of a Student Ambassador, it is possible. You do not need to be a Student Ambassador to have input in the program. Talk to your Program Advisor and Student Ambassadors about ideas that you may have, and be willing to help carry out the plans for your ideas. The Playbook is a great place to start, but feel free to come up with your own.

A Few Words of Advice

As both a Student Ambassador and an Eagle Scout, I want to start sharing some of the knowledge I have gained through leadership in both Fuel Up to Play 60 and in Scouting. In this post, I will discuss planning and goal setting.

With any idea, you have to have a plan. For a plan, you should set SMART goals for yourself that are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Timely (see what I did there?). Know what you want to accomplish (and its purpose / impact), who will help you, how you will carry out the idea, and what your time frame is (your deadline for accomplishing the goal). Setting goals gives you a clear path of what you want to accomplish, and generally results in success.

If your plan does not succeed, use it as a learning opportunity and try again. Revise the goals by evaluating and reassessing them (the SMART goals become SMARTER goals), and do not give up until you succeed at achieving your desired result. Whether a recruiting campaign, a Student Ambassador Application, or a Play idea, planning and goal setting will make you more successful.

Now It’s Your Turn

Find ways to get involved (the best is to become a Student Ambassador). Talk to other students and adults at your school and in your community, and educate them about Fuel Up to Play 60. I hope that my advice has empowered you, and that you, too, will empower others to Fuel Up to Play 60.

Justin T.
Student Ambassador for the State of Texas
Stratford High School